Pros and cons? Would be used for black bear and possibly deer.

Only one sub $30 a box load for the 450, numerous for the 444 Marlin. For deer and black bear the 444 Marlin will work just fine.

http://www.beartoothbullets.com/tech_notes/archive_tech_notes.htm/17
http://www.beartoothbullets.com/tech_notes/archive_tech_notes.htm/19
http://www.beartoothbullets.com/tech_notes/archive_tech_notes.htm/28

Of course, the 45-70 beats 'em both! <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/grin.gif" alt="" />

depends. if you reload, the 450 is way ahead of the 444 as far as suitable bullets as the 444 pushes most bullets for the 44 mag to fast to do what the cartridge is supposed to do.

if you dont reload, the 444 has a wider variety of factory loads.

course with a 45-70 you get tons of factory loads, easy to find brass thats fairly inexpensive, tons of 458 bullets ect. i think its the best of the 3.

I don't necessarily agree about the poor bullet performance with the .444, having actually used one since they first came out.

The .45-70 may well be the best of the trio, but don't believe all the "experts" about poor performance on the part of the .444 - there are plenty of tough .429" bullets out there.

Calif. Hunter, guess i didnt explain myself to well, guess its easier to screw up on bullet selection especially if your talking big black bear with the 444. course if yah stick to hard cast bullets or ones designed for the 444 your fine and it will do most of what the 450 and 45-70 will do. doubt many critters can tell the difference between the three if your using the hard cast in all loaded to the same pressures. personally i have a Marlin 1895G in 45-70 and shoot hard cast almost exclusivly loaded warm but not to top performance(recoil in the light guide gun can really get your attention with the heavier loads)

Get the 22-inch barrel, no porting.
.444 gives you lots of factory and handload options.